Articles 2011

2011 WPIAL Class AAA Preview: Montour, TJ are ones to beat

Friday, August 26, 2011

By Chris Adamski, Tri-State Sports & News Service

BIG EIGHT

Team to beat

Thomas Jefferson -- Who else? The Jaguars haven't lost a conference game in the past five seasons. Six starters return on offense and five on defense. Senior Ryan Ruffing had 861 yards rushing last year, and Dom Presto completed 53 percent of his passes for 886 yards and 10 touchdowns while sharing the quarterback duties. He takes over the role on a full-time basis. Bruno Natter led the team in tackles.

Contenders

Belle Vernon -- The Leopards gave the Jaguars their biggest in-conference scare last season, a 14-13 game Oct. 22. Wide receiver Ian Dobbins (32 catches, 754 yards last season) has moved to quarterback.

Chartiers Valley -- After making the playoffs seven consecutive seasons -- the previous three as the second-place finisher in the conference to Thomas Jefferson -- the Colts fell to 4-6 in 2010. Talented Wayne Capers, who missed most of the past two seasons due to injury, has moved from quarterback to slotback. Center Niko Mamula was first-team all-conference.

West Mifflin -- Running back Shamar Greene had 1,828 rushing yards as the Titans qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2005 last season. He highlights a strong senior class. Junior Derrick Fulmore is expected to be at quarterback.

Trinity -- The Hillers are inexperienced along the offensive and defensive lines, but Pat Frey and Tyler Yocca return after combining for more than 1,000 rushing yards. Frey was only a freshman, and he had 635 of those yards. Junior tackle Xavier Severns is a Division I college prospect.

The others

South Park -- The Eagles have some speed but entered the preseason looking to replace a number of starters. Sophomore Nick Yobbi played some at quarterback last year as a freshman.

McGuffey -- Coach Derek Bochna's Highlanders have talent and experience along the lines but are inexperienced at the skill positions.

Elizabeth Forward -- Coach Mike LeDonne takes over a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2005.